Geneva 2011: Debut For All-Wheel Drive Seat Alhambra

GENEVA – March 1, 2011: The Seat Alhambra – an acknowledged
leader among today’s full size people carriers and already crowned
Whar Car? MPV of the Year in the UK – is now even more versatile
thanks to the addition of four-wheel drive.

Making its public debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the new Alhambra
4WD is even more versatile, flexible and capable thanks to its permanent
all-wheel drive.

Offered with a 140 PS 2.0 TDI powerplant and six-speed manual
transmission, the extension to the already comprehensive Alhambra line-up
adds a whole new range of travel possibilities for families, leisure and
business drivers.

From the outset, Seat’s new MPV has claimed a top spot in its
segment thanks to its practical bodyshell concept, maximum flexibility,
innovative use of technology and outstanding efficiency. These features are
backed up by exceptionally high quality build quality, great value pricing
and a premium feel that comfortably exceeds expectations in the MPV
sector.

Greater dynamics and tractionThis summer will see the new
Alhambra 4WD join the Seat line-up in showrooms – and with its
permanent all-wheel drive, this version offers a major benefit in traction
on every road surface and in every situation.

Driving safety and mobility in the face of wintry road conditions are
boosted every bit as much as its performance as a towing vehicle. At the
same time, the next-generation, electronically controlled all-wheel drive
is set up for optimum driving dynamics. Thanks to the sophisticated design
of its carefully tuned chassis, the Seat Alhambra stays true to the spirit
of the brand by delivering a surprising level of sporty driving fun –
something not usually associated with MPVs. Yet the Alhambra’s
dynamism doesn’t come at the expense of long-distance comfort.

The all-wheel drive system smoothly and quickly adapts the distribution
of torque in line with the driving situation. Key to the system is an
electronically controlled and hydraulically operated multi-plate clutch. To
further improve the already excellent axle load distribution, the
multi-plate clutch is mounted at the end of the drive shaft in front of the
rear axle differential – which is also a re-engineered, extremely
compact and highly robust component.

Next-generation hi-tech designRunning in an oil bath inside
the central clutch is a disc set that can be pressed together in a
continuously variable fashion using regulated hydraulic pressure. A control
unit constantly analyses the driving conditions and, in the event that the
front wheels slip, an electrically driven annular piston pump immediately
builds up the oil pressure necessary for the clutch to divert a proportion
of the driving force to the rear wheels. Thanks to a high-performance
pressure accumulator, this process takes just a matter of milliseconds.

The car is capable of 119 mph (191 km/h) and can sprint from rest to 62
mph in only 11.4 seconds. Meanwhile, the frugal TDI offers 47.1 mpg on the
combined cycle (6.0 litres per 100 km) equating to a CO2 figure of just 158
g/km*. Naturally the Ecomotive package, with brake energy recovery and
automatic start/stop, has a major role to play in these figures. The MPV is
also equipped with an SCR catalytic converter (Selective Catalytic
Reduction) – placing it among the world’s cleanest diesels.

Deliverable as either a five- or six-seaterIn its home market
the Seat Alhambra 4WD will be offered as a five-seater in Reference and
Style versions. The comprehensive standard equipment and many hi-tech
options are identical to those offered on models with front-wheel
drive.

Towards the end of the year, the Alhambra 4WD will also be available
with six generous individual seats. This 2+2+2 seating arrangement further
enhances the premium character of the Alhambra.

No decision has yet been made over whether right-hand drive versions of
the new Alhambra 4WD will be offered for sale in the UK.

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